Suicide and Epilepsy

This article reviews the recent literature on suicide risk factors, assessments, and management as they pertain specifically to suicidality in people with epilepsy, a population that requires unique considerations.Recent FindingsRisk factors for suicidality include younger age (independent of comorbid psychiatric disorders), poor social support, psychiatric comorbidity (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and alcohol use), and epilepsy-related factors (more frequent seizures, temporal lobe epilepsy, and drug-resistant epilepsy). Most clinicians agree with the need for addressing suicidality; however, there is inconsistency in the approach to caring for these patients. An example neurology clinic-based approach is outlined.SummaryAlthough PWE are at risk for suicide and risk factors have been characterized, care gaps remain. Screening strategies may help close these gaps.
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research